So far, this month has felt like one recurring April Fool's Day. On Easter weekend, my healthy, active mother found herself in a medical situation which resulted in a week's hospital stay and an ongoing stay in a rehab facility to regain her ability to walk. Ai-yi-yi. At the same time, we had some electrical work scheduled here at the house which morphed from two days into five days plus (still not totally wrapped up) as it was determined that our 1940 home's wires were disintegrating in some places and we really needed to have the whole place rewired. Imagine being told workmen need immediate access to every switch, outlet, light fixture and closet from the attic to the basement. A cold sweat moment if there ever was one. Then, losing power for 5 days from sunrise to dinner. Add to this what seems like the longest pollen season in quite a few years and you can see why I've been scarce here over the last few weeks. I really needed a change and it came in a wonderful day's outing at the Chicago International Quilt Festival on Friday.
Among many strong exhibits, the highlight for me was the large group of antique quilts from the Festival's private collection. I was familiar with many of the quilts from publication photos and it was a thrill to be close enough to examine them in detail.
My favorites are always the red & green appliques but I have to say that this brown summer spread was one of the most unique quilts I have ever seen. Dated to 1800, it is a spectacular piece of folk art, with pieced stars and hex flowers meticulously appliquéd and a basket border that is just too wonderful to be believed, even standing right in front of it! How sad that the maker, 'Unknown', can't be appropriately credited for such imaginative work.
Notice that the baskets are alternately embroidered in a woven pattern or appliqueéd in a broderie perse style. *sigh* Fortunately, this textile was hanging in a spot where it could command appropriate attention and not have to compete with the bold, graphic quilts.
I took lots of photos at the festival and have started a Flickr set which currently includes all of my photos from this exhibit...lots of detail shots, too! I'll be adding to it this week.
I could have spent the whole day in this exhibit, but a large show like this isn't all about the quilts! I met a few bloggers which is always fun. I recognized Kathleen Tracy right away and I'm not sure who was more shocked...me, who spotted her practically upon walking in the door, (just as she had written in her last post that she would be there Friday, camera in hand) or Kathleen, who couldn't believe I recognized her from the photo on her blog. She was very gracious and it was a treat to meet her.
Kathleen Tracy, author of "Remembering Adelia"
One of the big draws of the quilt festivals are the vendor malls and this one was no different. I was browsing in the Schoolhouse Quilts booth, reminiscing about the many years I frequented the Rothermels' shop when we lived in Cleveland, when Susan, a longtime commenter, introduced herself. I'd like to say I escaped the booth without a purchase but now Susan would be a contradicting witness.
Me with Susan.
Although I spent most of my time ogling the antique quilts, there were many, many fine contemporary examples at the show. The SAQA exhibit was particularly wonderful, but no photos were allowed of that. These three were particular favorites from the 'Oh Canada 2010' exhibit. Yes, I have eclectic tastes!
Les Etoiles Colores...Kathryn Botsford, British Columbia
A Big English Breakfast...Pamela Allen, Kingston, Ontario
Catch of the Day - Carp Diem...Pamela Allen
Finally, I must share this last one, on loan from the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts. Love that half block on the end of the top row of stars!
Lone Star, circa 1900...Helen Meyer
That would have been enough excitement for one day but it must have been my lucky day because I had another wonderful experience that is going to need its own post. Back in a couple of days with that!
Oh be still my heart! What a fantastic treat to see the quilts I've enjoyed from books. They are all amazing. I'm off to enjoy more at flickr, thank you.
Posted by: Janet | April 18, 2010 at 05:53 PM
WOW! I'll be trotting over to your Flickr set to see more of these antique quilts. The quilt in the second photo is really intriguing. Virginia Cole of Galloping Pony Studio has mentioned her love of the brown quilt -- she did a small quilt (with a series of patterns) inspired by it. Her little quilt is, of course, fantastic. Now what fun would it be to go to a large quilt show and not make some purchases??? I'll bet it was great to meet some new quilters too!
Posted by: amy | April 18, 2010 at 06:26 PM
I'm always so happy to see your face - your adorable face!
I like that one with all the triangles. And squares.
(Do you realize that I am probably the only NONQUILTER here?)
Posted by: blackbird | April 18, 2010 at 06:37 PM
Outstanding quilts. It would be so hard to pick the best of all. I really appreciate seeing all the photos of the antique quilts. Great inspiration.
Posted by: Karen Beigh | April 18, 2010 at 06:38 PM
I hope your Mother is recovering well and that your electrical problems are all solved now.
Thank you for sharing those wonderful photographs! Wow!!
Posted by: Miriam | April 18, 2010 at 07:56 PM
Thanks for posting the pictures. I didn't have my camera with me this year so your photos will satisfy my need to have just one more look at the fantastic quilts.
Posted by: Sarah | April 18, 2010 at 09:54 PM
I love Pam Allen's work and would so much like to see it in person. That square in a square quilt with all the half square triangles definitely looks like something on your design wall...
Posted by: Kristin L | April 18, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Thanks for the virtual quilt show!!! What great quilts!
Posted by: Lynn | April 18, 2010 at 10:38 PM
Wonderful post! I hope the rest of April is better than the first part. Thanks for the peek at the quilt show. That brown one sure is fun and I love that half block too.
Posted by: Kristin | April 18, 2010 at 11:36 PM
Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: Laurel H. | April 18, 2010 at 11:39 PM
GLORIOSKY, Jan! Glad you managed to escape the chaos at home for some quilt therapy. The antique quilts are my favorites at any show. Thanks for sharing your photos.
Posted by: diane | April 19, 2010 at 07:01 AM
amazing amazing quilts. love those antiques with a mind of their own. sorry to hear about your mom and the electricity woes.
Posted by: Lazy Gal Tonya R | April 19, 2010 at 08:14 AM
Wow! Wow! what you have been going through! Wow! Those quilts! I especially liked the squares in the peach or coral color. Wish I had known... I might have driven up to Chicago for the show.
Posted by: Cindra | April 19, 2010 at 08:39 AM
It looks like a wonderful time!!
I especially love the lone star with the 1/2 star too. So funny and whimsical!!
Posted by: Lori | April 19, 2010 at 09:22 AM
this was my first peek - thanks!
Posted by: barb | April 19, 2010 at 09:32 AM
hang in there!
Posted by: Bev | April 19, 2010 at 11:01 AM
What wonderful, wonderful antique quilts. Thanks so much for sharing your pictures! How cool to meet Kathleen Tracy! I do hope your Mom's recuperation goes well. Yikes I can't imagine how much of a pain in the neck all that rewiring must be!
Posted by: janet | April 19, 2010 at 11:36 AM
Wow! We went to Chicago a few years ago and were terribly disappointed in the quilts -- the vendors were wonderful though. I sure wish I'd been there this year to see all the antique quilts -- it looks like it was a wonderful display. Can't wait to hear about your experience!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | April 19, 2010 at 12:48 PM
Thanks Jan ! Your pictures are wonderful and I love this old quilts . I don't fly to chicago!!!! but with you in my small town
I see the beautiful quilts ! Thank you .
Mamifleur
Posted by: mamifleur | April 19, 2010 at 04:05 PM
There you go, I never even knew there WAS a Wisconsin Museum of Quilts!
; )
Posted by: Vicki | April 20, 2010 at 10:39 AM
Great photos, loved reading this post....I love quilt shows! I can see why you enjoyed the red & green quilts so much....what's the saying "everything old is new again"...so beautiful!
Posted by: Wendy | April 20, 2010 at 12:45 PM
Can't wait to hear your good news- you need it after all that you've been through. Hoping your mother is recovering quickly....
And, thanks for the link to the book. I am going to purchase that for my mother. :)
Posted by: annie | April 20, 2010 at 03:59 PM
excellent photo post. I too, love the appliques and vintage red/green quilts. Hope things on the home front get sorted out for you!
Posted by: Sharon | April 20, 2010 at 06:13 PM
You sure got some great shots of the Antique quilts!! What a fantastic show...so great to finally run into you there. Did you buy fabric at the Schoolhouse Quilts booth??? Really?? I wasn't paying any attention...!*wink*
Posted by: Schnoobie | April 20, 2010 at 11:18 PM
That is the most exuberant batch of quilts I've seen in a very long time. The eye of the curator goes for "more, more, more". Thanks so much for posting them. And the ability to zoom in is terrific.
Posted by: Jean Loken | May 05, 2010 at 12:05 PM